Journal article
HyGage: Solving the hysteresis puzzle with a new streamflow monitoring method
Advances in water resources, Vol.218, 105513
09/27/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.advwatres.2026.105513
Abstract
•HyGage computes discharge from the Saint-Venant equations without rating curves.•Stage, index velocity, and free-surface slope are integrated in one framework.•The method accommodates immersed, close-range, and remote sensing measurements.•HyGage represents unsteady-flow hysteresis and reduces to the rating in steady flow.•Field data from four storms show 11–59% departures from stage–discharge ratings.
The questionable reliability of discharges obtained using the traditional stage–discharge method under gradually varied flow conditions continues to motivate the search for improved monitoring approaches that support water resources management, streamflow forecasting, and multipurpose scientific investigations related to the water cycle. This paper introduces HyGage, a new physically based monitoring method grounded in the governing equations of spatiotemporal, gradually varied, shallow open channel flow. The methodology integrates measurement elements commonly employed in the index velocity and slope area methods within a unified analytical framework, enabling real time discharge estimation in both steady and gradually varied flows without relying on the semi empirical techniques of the past. The performance of HyGage is evaluated by comparing its discharge estimates with those obtained from established methods. Unlike conventional approaches, HyGage is not built around any specific instrument; instead, it can flexibly incorporate combinations of immersed, close range, and remote sensing measurements through seamless integration.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- HyGage: Solving the hysteresis puzzle with a new streamflow monitoring method
- Creators
- Marian Muste - University of IowaKyeongdong Kim - University of IowaAlexandre Hauet - Institut des Géosciences de l'EnvironnementChristophe Rousseau - Institut polytechnique de GrenobleEmma House - Tulane UniversityEhab Meselhe - Tulane UniversityIbrahim Demir - Tulane University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Advances in water resources, Vol.218, 105513
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.advwatres.2026.105513
- ISSN
- 0309-1708
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/27/2026
- Academic Unit
- IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9985240176502771
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